Friends of singer Adele are reporting that her recent, low-key appearances across Britain are part of a deliberate effort to rediscover her passion for music and regain confidence, following years of being affected by critical remarks from Noel Gallagher.
Adele, who has sold over 120 million records and won 16 Grammy Awards, has reportedly been deeply wounded by Gallagher's dismissive comments about her music, which he has described as being for "grannies" and "bland." According to sources close to the singer, these remarks have "left a mark" and contributed to her nearly two-year hiatus from recording.
"Adele was so hurt by Noel’s comments," one friend told the Daily Mail. "They really left a mark on her. She is going back to her young Tottenham roots and has been immersing herself in ‘young, trendy’ music. She’s going back to her own youth to write something that she hopes people will love."
In recent weeks, the notoriously private artist has been seen at several events, including a Lola Young concert in Brixton and a Bad Bunny stadium show in London. She also made a surprise appearance at McLaren's Formula One headquarters ahead of the British Grand Prix. These outings are seen as significant steps in her reconnection with the music industry.
During the Grand Prix at Silverstone, Adele, dressed in a T-shirt honoring Formula One driver Lando Norris and wearing a necklace spelling "Mummy," spoke about her son's interest in karting, an obsession that has now extended to her. She also candidly discussed her struggles with fame, noting, "I don’t sing very often any more."
Her attendance at the Bad Bunny concert was notable as she was accompanied by Rob Stringer, the chairman of Sony Music Group, and was filmed singing along with the crowd, seemingly embracing her public persona. Her fiancé, sports agent Rich Paul, has also been with her during her time in Britain.
Gallagher's criticisms of Adele's music began in 2015 when he stated he did not "see what all the fuss is about" and called her music "for f***ing grannies." He continued his remarks years later, including in a 2023 podcast where he was asked if he liked any of Adele's songs, to which he responded with expletives and challenged the interviewer to name one.
Adele concluded her Las Vegas residency in early 2024, telling the audience she was stepping away from music for an "incredibly long time" to focus on building a new life. She has since devoted herself to her fiancé, Rich Paul, and her 13-year-old son, Angelo.
Despite her previous statements, there are indications that Adele may be returning to the recording studio. Reports emerged in April of her return to the studio, nearly five years after the release of her last album, "30."
Friends suggest that Adele is now actively listening to new music, revisiting her early influences, and reconnecting with London, the city that shaped her early career. While a new album has not been confirmed, these steps indicate a potential end to her self-imposed exile from the music industry.